Campaign group calls for end of imported horsemeat from non-EU countries

A campaign group has raised concerns over the safety of horsemeat imported to Europe from non-EU countries. The Humane Society International (HSI) renewed the call after concerns horsemeat with drugs banned in the EU for human consumption could be entering the food chain.

HSI says food standards are flawed in the US and countries like Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are also vulnerable to fraud.

Swabe added, “Even the European Commission’s own audits have highlighted this, which makes it all the more outrageous that they have failed to take action to suspend the import of horsemeat products that do not meet EU food safety standards.”

Recent analysis by the European Commission has found areas on the meat market that do not look after customers as well as they should.

EU regulation says horses born after 2009 must now have a microchip, which means they can be identified and medical records can be checked to see if they are fit to export.

However, these ‘horse passports’ are not required for the import of horsemeat into the EU.